Teaching Her We Don’t Always Get What We Want

We headed to Epcot this past weekend to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival. As usual, our first stop was the butterfly garden. Because it’s early, only a few butterflies were fluttering about. Some were drying their wings. We spent a lot of time in the garden because you’ve come to expect butterflies to heed your desires and land on your little fingers.

You waited. You willed them to come to you. But they weren’t getting close enough. I decided to capture your image because, under the right amount of sunlight and with the right concentration, you appeared the most beautiful to me.

But you weren’t sad. You were intent in your desire to have a butterfly land on you. And I, in the background, cheered you on and willed that same butterfly to make its way to you. You looked ethereal. Like a fairy in her garden making special magic.

You believed. And I believed with you.

I hope you never lose that. I pray that you will always be intent on what you want. But I hope you understand that it’s okay if you don’t get it. And that you can always try again.

We had a ball after this so you see, you weren’t really sad. What you felt was a tinge of disappointment. I loved how you bounced back from it.

We sat on a curb and had fish and chips. Then we went for some funnel cake. We roamed the world and you requested pictures in Japan.

One of the most important lessons that parents can teach their kids is the difference between needs and wants. Many kids grow into adults thinking that they deserve certain things in life. When parents have the financial means to provide their kids with all of the things they want in life, everyone is happy. However, eventually kids will grow into adults and will be required to stand on their own two feet. These kids may then feel entitled to continue to live a certain lifestyle that they cannot afford on their own income. This can create financial woes and personal unhappiness. However, teaching kids the difference between needs and wants can allow them to grow into happy adults who are satisfied with whatever life brings their way.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Chief Executive Mami

Sili Recio is a mom, blogger and activist based in Orlando, Florida. She is deeply committed to changing the world and works daily to inspire and empower women through storytelling and advocacy. Sili has been named as a Top Blogger by Latina Magazine and has attended White House summits with MomsRising, a grassroots organization advocating for moms and families. Read more →